Taiko, which used to be known as magenta petrel, were thought extinct until they were rediscovered by Davy Crockett and a team of ornithologists 38 years ago. Since then it has been a long slow effort to locate taiko nests in the wild, and carry out predator control to try and improve chick survival. Feral pigs, feral cats and rats are a problem.

Between 2007 and 2011 all known taiko chicks were transferred into the Sweetwater Reserve, with the idea that they would return there to breed as adults. Sweetwater Reserve is on Liz and Bruce Tuanui’s farm, and it is surrounded by a predator-proof fence and is predator-free.

“The return rate of those taiko chicks to Sweetwater has been absolutely phenomenal,” says Mike. “We’ve had a return rate of up to 80%, which is an unheard of success rate for a seabird translocation. Those birds are just starting to breed, and we’ve got six breeding pairs, which has been a real boost for numbers of taiko.”

Mike says he’s also excited that there are already four more pairs of young birds that should breed in the next year or two. Many single birds are also visiting the reserve and will hopefully soon find mates.

The number of breeding pairs in the wild, in the Tuku Nature Reserve and adjoining private land, are also on the rise, from 15 previously to 20.

Twenty six eggs were laid this breeding season and 23 chicks hatched but unfortunately two chicks died early on, probably as a result of inexperienced young parents.